What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Arthritis?

Arthritis is characterized by the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, with joint pain and stiffness typically worsening with age. The primary symptoms include:
Persistent joint pain
Swelling and tenderness affecting one or multiple joints
Stiffness, particularly in the morning, lasting for at least 30 minutes
Symptoms appearing on both sides of the body, such as in both hands or both knees

These symptoms can lead to a diagnosis of one of the common types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form, where the protective cartilage wears down over time. This degeneration can affect any joint but commonly impacts the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), on the other hand, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that not only affects the joints but can also involve various body systems including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. It is considered an autoimmune disease where environmental factors, such as tobacco, interact with genetic predisposition to trigger the condition.

Risk factors for arthritis include age, family history, and lifestyle choices. The outlook for arthritis patients can vary, with many living full, active lives. However, it’s a chronic condition that currently has no cure.

To understand more about these conditions, you can visit the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic on Osteoarthritis, WebMD, Healthline, Mayo Clinic on Rheumatoid Arthritis, NCBI Bookshelf, and the CDC for comprehensive information.